Work begins on a very special Edinburgh site

ork has started on a high-profile development at one of Edinburgh’s most iconic locations.

A sweeping crescent of glass-fronted residences will be created in the grounds of the former Donaldson’s School for the Deaf.

Cala Homes is behind the project, which has been designed by architect Richard Murphy.

His vision for The Crescent will complement the restoration of the neighbouring category A-listed Playfair building.

David Mcgrath, managing director of Cala Homes (East) says: “It is a privilege to be involved in this project, so we are delighted that work has now started on the site.

“It is rare enough to earn the chance to create new homes in a World Heritage Site, let alone to be working in a location as special as Edinburgh’s renowned Donaldson’s site.”

The turreted 1851 William Playfair building is one of the most recognisable in Edinburgh.

Donaldson’s School for the Deaf moved to a purposebuilt campus in Linlithgow, West Lothian in 2008 and thereafter the site was mothballed during the economic downturn.

During that period